The Berkshire Eagle from Pittsfield, Massachusetts • 12

On the Web: vvvi.BerkshireEagle.com On the Web: vvvi.BerkshireEagle.com The Berkshires ThA Rprkshirpq '114 The Berkshire EagJe, Wednesday, June RI Thp ilerkr-hire F2gle WPdnecitiv Jane 15 '0115 Library faces legal challenge .1 Cultural groups see strong year ee 4 LIBRARY from 81 CULTURAL from Cu 1714' 7 I 7 7 1 1 b( i i ti 71 111 IN i i v--- it i l''''. i t- ''-'1 -t 'k 4:41, sr'. ---'72i -4K1P i 1 l''' A Njt fill I 1 5' iLy it -N. P-- A. 8 1 HENKLI 'I 1r57.

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1 I' I tt 4 4, A i s'' Heritage State Park draws a diverse mix of bisitors and that luring more people to their slightly out-of-the-way spot is crucial 'Like we want to bring more people to downtown, we want to see more people come to Heritage Park," Marcia said Andrea Maxwell, the assistant director of public relations and marketing at the Berkshire -Ileatre Festival, said BTF officials are confident it will be a strong season for them. "Every summer presents its own sets of challenges," she said finding out what those are going to be and working around them. We've gotten better at that every year." rk. draNvs a and that tar- their slightly bring more we want to Fieritage the assistant elations and Berkshire td BTF ()ill- II will be a sents its own he said. "It's are going to ound them.

at that every Hc di in Katherine Nlyers, left, or hlass NloCA in North Adams talks ith Nirginia Skorupski, of Grafton, N.Y., during the Berkshire County Cultural Fair at Williams College yesterday. i Christopher Marcisz can be readied at cmarciszO berkshireeeagle.com or at (413) 664-4995. StOt.0.;;:4.:S..t(....-41.'..i),..4.:0.1,-.'ii,.-0'.i..(1(..$.:0.-$:-:::.-Wa.ti,-.0..0.4.4 State historical panel endorses Wahconah I I I bility of this happening because of our dialogue with Ed." Abrahams claims that for the past year he has attempted to gain assurances that his pmperty boundary would be protected from the isual impact and potential noise from the library expansion but has not been accommodated. "The main thing I want clear is I really don't want to stop this project," he said yesterday. "I haw tried for a year to get my concerns heard, and I have no assurances.

I've been asked to trust the town government." La Clair said many of Abrahams' requests can only be addressed after the opening of eral contractor bids next week. He also said the town can't be bound by a "letter of agreement" because of the array of entities it would encompass: the town, the library building committee and contractors. Abrahams said that after a May 25 meeting with 12Clair and library trustees Chairman Ellie Smith, he had no satisfaction and no respme I-le inquired again June 7, offering a letter of agreement. "Please let me again state that I do not want to jeopardize the Mason Library renovation project," said Abrahams. "All I want to do is minimize the negative impact the project will have on the value of and the enjoyment I get from my home, If your neighbor were doubling the size of his home, bringing it close to the property line, installing loud air-conditioning units On the roof and cutting down the trees bordering your land, I am sure you would feel the same," he wrote in his June 7 letter.

Ills letter sects a number of conditions, including that the final fencing near his howe be constructed four feet from his property line, rather than on the line as now proposed, and he wants the town to pay for up to $2,500 for landscaping on his side of the new Also, the town should abate any noise from air conditioners installed on the library roof and any excessive lighting from the library property, and the town should reimburse Abrahams for power-washing of his house after construction is completed. LaClair said every effort will be made to address Abrahams' con- cerns as work progresses and bids are opened. Ile said Abrahams can have input on landscaping, but not money for his side of the fence. He said the town won't pay for power-washing the house. In his June 9 response to Abrahams, LaClair commended Abrahams for his positive influence over the design and impact of the new building.

Your requested conditions and assurances, however, go beyond what the Town can deliver," LaClair wrote. "I hope that you can understand that we are sincere about being a good neighbor to all of the abutters and neigh proj- want ative' on ent I bling ng it line, by residents looking for present grandstand, originally built to hold 2,000 people, constructed in 1950, one year fences, toilets, concession and lockers were lidded park. dugouts were moved out under the grandstand in Permanent lights, purchased General Electric, were in 1946. Wahconah's were the Sanie type of fixtures that had been installed in Stadium earlier that year. Wahconah's current seating is 3,100.

Currently home Pittsfield Dukes of the New Collegiate Baseball In its lifetime. Wahconah hosted 11 professional that have played in several hif rociiiewite hulkino fnr .7. A in Boston-. A group of six city representatives, which included Mayor James M. Rubcrto, Ward 6 councilor Daniel L.

Bianchi, local baseball historian David Potts of Pittsfield and former city councilor Joseph O. Guzzo, who first initiated the proposal, spoke in favor of having Wahconah Park placed on the national list. Potts, who researched Wahconah Park's history in connection with the proposal to the state review board, said he was "elated" that the board voted unanimously to make its recommendation. "It's been a long time coming," Potts said "about four years in the process." it is fabulous that the Massachusetts Historical Commission voted with such confidence to send Wahconah Park's application to its last step in Washington," Ruberto said in a written statement. Securing this designation on the National Register of Historic Places will ensure that it will con nrscitsrs A rse -4t1! Ail as.

By Tony Dobrowolski Berkshire Eagle Stan PITTSFIELD Historic Wahconah Park has moved one step closer to being considered a 'national landmark by the federal government. The state flistorical Commissions review board recently ree'ommended that the National Park Service place the ballpark on the 'National Register of 1-listoric Places. The National Register is the nation's official list of buildings, -districts, structures and objects considered to be important in American history, culture, archi'tecture or archaeology. It is administered in Massachusetts through the state Flistorical Corn-mission on the Park Service's Behalf. lobbies review board The review board considered Wahconah Park's application last -Week during its monthly meeting 111.

tinue to be a treasure for future generations to enjoy." State Historical Commission spokesman Brian McNiff said the National Park Service will consider the review board's recommendation and make its decision sometime this summer. In January, McNiff had said the federal government's approval usually takes around 45 days. "I don't want to say it's automat-- le," McNiff said. But the National Parks Service takes the recommendation of the state commission seriouslyl." If Wahconah Park is accepted for inclusion on the National Register, it would be eligible for up to $100,000 in state preservation grant funding. Tax incentives an: also available for sites on the National Register, but only if they are privately owned, according to the state Historic Commission.

Wahconah Park is owned by the city of tes AA Pittsfield. National Register sites, the 1931 however, iire eligible for federal kindling assistance for historic preservation The I when that funding is available. nally According to Potts, baseball was was con first played on the site where after ne Wahconah Park is now located in sion are 189-2, the same year that the first to the p. grandstand was constructed. A The new grandstand was built in 1909, from and a 50-acre site containing the 1988.

Pt ballpark was deeded to the city of from Pittsfield in 1919. liehts v. 'Sun delays' famous. lures tb The playing field was construct- Yankee ed with the batter's boxes facing Wahe west into the SUM Apparently, this capacity configuration wasn't unusual back to the then because games were played Eng lam in midafternoon. But with most League, games nnw starting in early has atm evenings, that setup has made teams ti Wahconah notorious for "sun delays." The grandstand was renovated Tony again in 1927, but was torn down al ittobn bit by bit during the Depression in r.

at (4) the 1930s kindling. The was after new areas to the The from 1988. from installed lights Yankee capacity to the England League, has also teams leagues. Tony at or at Dorskthsr A St LOA 1,6 ss.E,..s.,. 0tt SAASo A Ir 1ff 1.1,1.1tr 11,.

lit-. 1r 1,1.., MI, 1111 Id Dobrowolski can be reached tdobrowoLski berkshireeaglecorn (413)496-6224. N. Adams offering Art school -o tterin .111411 crrn R.ff A or out deals IS backs, wa er9 sewer "It's a good agreement for both sewer line will pay $304 a year, an ment from the water district, communities," Barrett said, "and increase of $53. Households on Barrett said.

it's long overdue. It shows that the new sewer line will pay $440 a Meanwhile, the three-year when two sides get together in the year, an increase of water agreement will allow the city spirit of cooperation, things get "We're not in this to do any- to bill Clarksburg residents direct-done." thing, but cover our costs," Barrett ly for their water use at a rate set Clarksburg will renew its sewer added. "Residents will pay very periodically by the city, said contract with the Hoosac Water reasonable costs that are less than Barrett. The city will also install Quality District for 10 years paying for cable television each and read water meters, and through the city of North Adams, year." replace nonworking meters, but said Barrett. Starting in fiscal 2007, sewer the town will be responsible for all Clarksburg residents will see fees will be adjusted every year but costs associated with repairs.

increases in sewer fees depending limited to 5 percent increases for In addition, the agreement pro-on their residence. The mayor fiscal years 2007 through 2009. vides the city with "safeguards," estimated that Clarksburg resi- Annual adjustments will not Barrett said. For example, if a dents will pay $275 a year on aver- exceed 10 percent of the preced- Clarksburg rcsident fails to pay age for sewer fees. ing year's fees.

bills in excess of $300, the town At the town meeting, the In addition, Clarksburg will be responsible for reimbursing Selectmen told residents that to pay 10 percent of the city's the city for that amount and placClarksburg households on the old annual capital costs for its assess- ing liens on the property. Clarksburg households on the old annual capital costs tor its assess- mg liens on the property. backs water, sewer deals "It's a good agreement for both sewer line will pay $304 a year, an ment from the water district, communities," Barrett said, "and increase of $53. Households on Barrett said. it's long overdue.

It shows that the new sewer line will pay $440 a Meanwhile, the three-year communities, 'Jarrett sato, anu increase or OH DarrelL stiu. it's long overdue. It shows that the new sewer line will pay $440 a Meanwhile, the three-year when two sides get together in the year, an increase of $120, water agreement will allow the city done." Clarksburg will renew its sewer contract with the Hoosac Water By Nicole Sequin Berkshire Eagle Staff. NORTH ADAMS The City Council approved water and sewer agreements with the town of Clarksburg last night, replacing the agreements with the town from 1955 and 1988. As part of the agreement, Clarksburg will pay the city $88597 in disputed sewer charges out from fiscal 2004 and this year said Mayor John Barrett HI.

During Clarksburg's annual town meeting, the Selectmen her aided the sewer agreement as a saving grace for the town. The new contract will cost the town $144,248, in addition to the outstanding fee of $88,597, Berkshire Eagle Staff By Nicole Sequin NORTH ADAMS The City NORTH ADAMS The City Council approved water and sewer Clarksburg last night, replacing the agreements with the town from 1955 and 1988 STOCKBRIDGE IS183 Art School of the Berkshires is accepting registrations far its summer 'Young Artist programs that begin Monday. ISI83 offers a full summer of weeklong art programs for young artists from June 20 through Aug. 26, in three different age groups. Each week will explore a different theme, with a different instruc working in a wide variety of hors to the project.

I am commit- ted to bringing your issues to the appropriate entities and respond Budget proposal calls ing to all requests from the public regarding this project, and can for in spending only ask that you make every attempt to tmst in your Town gov 520.0',.0.00::,j,ri...:f0(1-ál-....t..0.00.---,:;-:::':. BUDGET from B1 BUDGET from B1 ernment." Answer fails to satisfy Selectman Douglas Stephen- SOn, who was chairman when the special permit was filed, said Abrahams apparently proceeded with the lawsuit because he is not satisfied with the town's response to his requests. "It wasn't that he didn't get an answer. He didn't like the answer giving their employees," he said. Barrett also pointed to the city's retirement costs, which rose from $1.448 million last year to $1.628 million for fiscal 2006.

Health insurance costs for city employees also escalated by $100,000 from last year, the mayor noted. Debt doubles back payments for the $20 million project. The city "caught a break," said Barrett, with the Charles N. McCann Technical High School. The city had been overpaying the school for tuition and will see a 8258,000 decrease from last year In the meantime, the mayor told the council that the city is operating on a ''bare bones" basis with a "skeleton crew" in City Hall and fewer firefighters and police officers than in years past.

He also criticized the Berkshire Arts Technology Public Charter School in Adams, which acquired 37 students from North Adams this year costing the city's schools $120,000 in state aid. back payments for the $20 million oroiect. because The invasive economy mostly forest productivity. has now funding federal, within the first two 4,000 Weed It season of plants acres. Lowenstein, amount of forest across the landscape healthiest southeastern because The Luc land- thiest outh- Interest rates and debt for past city projects doubled from last year, said Barrett, costing the city an additional $286,000 for fiscal 2006.

On a good note, Barrett said, he expects the state's school building assistance program to reimburse the city by fiscal 2006 or 2007 for renovating Drury High School in 2002. Barrett said the state owes the city at least $1.5 million in renovating tirury rugn 3L11001 iti 2002. Barrett said the state owes the city at least $1.5 million in he got," said Stephenson. "We've tried to give our best answer at this time on various issues," said La Clair. "But he was looking for a level of agreement that we can't make without bids being opened and contracts being awarded and budget issues being addressed.

We've tried to address his concerns, but not in a legal agreement." According to the Superior Court's correspondence with Abrahams, the case has been placed on a "fast track" that calls for resolution by August 2006. skoa a ti ItY1 1 uy tALIgLISI. LVIAL agreement." According to the Superior Court's correspondence with Abrahams, the case has been placed on a "fast track" that calls recnintinn A 11111K 'media. Registration is required, xchange opportunities are avail- sand scholarships and work Weed program receives 'able. For information, call (413) ,4, or visit www.is183.org.

200 000 in federal fund Art Safari programs for 7- to 10- 9 include Puppets, Masks WEED from Bi out native plants, often Giant Heads; Bookies, they have no natural enem Wookies and Morel; 3-D acres of forest habitat in the USDA estimates that I (venture, and Art and Nature. Art Berkshire Taconic Plateau. This species cost the national will meet Monday through area includes portions of Con- billions of dollars annually from 10 to 3. Early drop- necticut, New York and Southern in lost agricultural and for off is available. Tuition costs $175 Berkshire.

ductivity. yer week. "I applaud the Nature Con- To date, the plan Young Explorer programs for 5- s6rvancy and its partners for their received $700,000 in feder io 7-year-olds include Merry diligent work to restore the critical ing in its first four years. Madness; Storybook Ball; ecosystem of the Southern Taconic The project focuses on Slide, Creep and Crawl, mountains," said Olver. "This state and private lands wi and Picture Perfect.

Young Ex- 1, won, is important because this forest ecosystem. In the .1 Tiorers meet Monday through ecosystem is one of the healthiest years of the program, abo Zriday, from 9 to noon. Tuition and largest contiguous forests in acres were treated by $125 per week. the Northeast." Now crews and a third se I5183's Teen Artists Program According to Lowenstein, inva- work removed invasive o3ffers 11- to 14-yearrolds the sive plants cover more than half of from an additional 1,100 a to work with faculty the forest core. The unwelcome the plan, The goal sa from various disciplines.

guests include barberry, bitter- ens tein, is to reduce the an Norning and 'afternoon classes sweet, autumn olive, common invasive plant species in th include drawing, cartooning, buckthorn shrub honeysuckle to less than 5 percent ac multiflora rose, Japanese ceramics, bookmaking, assem- entire 9,000 acres. I Co aeon' The Berkshire knotweed, burning bush and garlic blage, water color, po yme mustard. scape is the largest and h( Ittge and jewelry. The Teen Artists contiguous forest bloc in yrogram is offered in two biweek- No natural enemies eastern New England. iy sessions, from June 27 to July 8, Invasive species', which are Derek Gentile can be ret iind July 11 to 22.

The school is introduced into a local ecosystem dgentileql berkshirecagle.cot (also offering a weekly drawing and in a variety of ways, tend to crowd (413) 528-3660. fainting class for teens 15 to 18, Nionday evenings beginning July 11. Students to attend drama iv es t. I 183 summer Young Artist the form NORTH ADAN1S The rut), Later in rn of culminate in a cu eclat I ugh School drama team has been plays, full-length plays an t'dtibition and Family Day cele- selected to represent Massachu- cals. workshops, social a( Saturday, Aug.

20, from setts at the International Thespian college auditions and othei toon to 3. Artwork by more than Festival in Lincoln, during tional opportunities. The 150 children participating in 20 the last week in June. will performing the play 4ifferent weekly programs will be Eleven Drury High School stu- Grey I las Disappeared." 1 In display from Aug. 20 to Sept.

dents and Len Radio, drama team includes Sam 'Therrien, D. Families are invited to a cool- director, ill join more than 2,500 Jones and Kim Rose. munitywide flintily Day event eel- other drama students and their The drama team will pre ebrating the completion of an art- teachers from all oser the world Broadway smash hit "Litt fiticd SU In Ine for the 751 annual skeek-long cel- of I lorror" in Nownibc IS IS3 Art School of the Berk- ebration of educational theater the dranta team's Wcb shii es is a nonptotit or held at the Unisersity ot Nebras- wdrury drama com to located at 13 V. illard Hill Road, ka information, ink Inkling nit Just ott Route I S3 ia Trask Lane. 'f'he week ill be pakked ith LsOil photos ot past $200,000 in federal funds NORTH ADAMS The Drury High School drama team has been selected to represent Massachusetts at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, during the last week in Eleven Drury High School students and Len Radio, drama team.

director, will join more than 2,500 other drama students and their teachers from all over the world for the 75th annual week-long celebration of educational theater held at the University of NebrasThe week wiLl be pled vith out native plants, often they have no natural enemies. USDA estimates that species cost the national billions of dolkirs annually, in lost agricultural and To date, the plan received $700,000 in federal in its first four years. The project focuses on state and private lands forest ecosystem. In the years of the program, about acres were treated by Now crews and a third work removed invasive from an additional 1,100 The goal of the plan, said is to reduce the invasive plant species in the to less than 5 percent entire 9,000 acres. The Berkshire Taconic is the largest and contiguous forest bloc in New England.

Derek Gentile can be dgentileberkshireeagle.com (413) 528-3660. Students to attend drama festival theater in the form of plays, full-length plays and workshops, social college auditions and other opportunities. The will performing the pkiy Grey has Disappeared." includes Sam Therrien, Jones and Kim Rose. The drama team will Broadway smash hit "little of I lotrors" in November. the drama team's Web ma com for information, ink hiding mote photos of past plas.

am receives federal funds WEED from Bl out native plants, often they have no natural enemies. in a variety of ways, tend to crowd (413) 528-3660. Nicole Sequino can be reached at nsequittogberkshireeagle.com or at (413) 664-4995. tvtcute orating() curt ue reacnea at nsequittogberkshireeagle.com or al (413) 664-4995. Fire Dept.

rescues man from Central Block roof. A AL 1,.., 116,1" 116, 60,1. 1.a. 1,..., Ls a A A La A da from Central Block roof Firp Drint rPceiriPc mnn A-A. 15 AAA (111A -A' A -f reached at or at at him off the roof.

His arm, which one responder said was broken. was secured at the scene and Richel was brought to Berkshire Medical Center, where he was listed in stable condition as of 11 last night. Ivo him off the roof. NEM ''tl-' Ills arm, which one responder i said was broken. was secured at It i siN the scene and Richel was brought -1 to Berkshire Medical Center, 1 40 where he was listed in stable con- I dition as of I I last night.

A him off the roof. PITTSFIELD A man working on an air conditioning unit on the top of Central Block, 75 North fell from a platform and injured his arm yesterday. The Pittsfield Fire Department received a call at 3:04 p.m. that Steve Friebel, 42, had slipped off a wooden beam on a supporting structure for an air conditioner and hurt his arm. who was working for Carrier out of Schenectady, N.Y., was conscious but was suffering pain.

Firefighters, walking in front and behind the man. used an aerial ladder truck to get Friebel doss n. tire officials said using the ladder was the quickest way to get PITTSFIELD A man work- mg on an air conditioning unit on the top of Central Block, 75 North fell from a platform and injured his arm yesterday. The Pittsfield Fire Department received a call at 3:04 p.m. that Steve Friebel, 42, had slipped off a wooden beam on a supporting PITTSFIELD A man work- SENNA AND WOMEN LOVE lottidtair one-act musicals.

activities, educational students "Jennifer The cast I laylee present the Shop Visit site at more than -act usi- ies, Ica- ifer THE W'6'. tte. PU.1 aA aOaA a CI Voir Coe lryt rye 288 Main St Gt Bafrington 5289466 Whitelkimght GB Vetizon not 413-442-2000 '80023-4- 7404, cxt. 363 tik.v.A.A4.-AA AA, A.AAllikAr timA A AA A Alb 4.2.241. aafl 111, tta wth,.